Abstract: A drill bit consists of a bit body having a forward end and a slot in the forward end to hold a hardened cutting blade. The blade has a central slot extending into the forward end thereof such that the slot defines inner side wails and a bridge extending between the inner side walls. A protrusion along the leading face of each of the cutting sides of the blade with each protrusion extending to the forward edge extends the length of the cutting edges and by distributing the load along a greater length reduces the stress to the cutting edge. Protrusions along the trailing face of the blade also extern to the cutting edge and increase the strength of the blade.

Abstract: A tool assembly includes an axially symmetric tool having a tapered forward end, a radial flange, and a cylindrical shank. A retainer is fitted around the cylindrical shank, a washer is fitted around the retainer, and an annular elastomeric member is bonded to the inner surface of the washer. When the rotatable shank is fitted into a cylindrical mounting bore of a tool holder, the annular elastomeric member prevents the washer from rotating with the tool.

Abstract: A filter cartridge formed of wound polypropylene yarn lacking a spin-finish and method of making same are disclosed herein. The method includes the steps of: providing a filter core; providing a plurality of continuous polypropylene filaments; applying water to the filaments without applying a spin finish to remove static therefrom; gathering together a plurality of the filaments to form at least two bundles; air texturing the at least two bundles of filaments to form a yarn; and winding said yarn around said filter core to provide a filter media.

Abstract: The efficiency of a John Deere planter to plant corn seed is improved where the planter is of the type having a vacuum operated metering unit enclosing a seed disk and a double eliminator. To improve the efficiency a kit is provided including an improved seed disk, an improved double eliminator, and an alignment tool for properly aligning the double eliminator with respect to the seed disk. When the parts are installed and properly aligned the planter can accept corn seed in the range of 1200 seeds per pound to 2800 seeds per pound without requiring readjustment of the vacuum setting or replacing the seed disk.

Abstract: To track a large number of tools, the tools are kept in sets with each set having a container. A silhouette of each tool stored in the container is printed at the point of storage along with a dat matrix code that has stored in binary code a description of the tool, the part number, and an identification of the kit of which it is a part. The associated tool has etched into the surface thereof a data matrix code containing the same information as the code printed at the point of storage. The data matrix codes are readable by a scanner and a record of all the tools is maintained on a computer.

Abstract: A bicycle braking device includes a second drive assembly between the crankshaft and the rear axle of the bicycle. The second drive assembly includes a chain drive and pair of engaged gears for reversing the direction of rotation of the crankshaft with respect to the rear axle when the second drive is engaged. The device further includes a clutch for selectively engaging or disengaging the assembly. When the bicycle is moving forward and the second drive is engaged, the pedals will rotate in reverse of the direction of rotation required to propel the bicycle forward. A bicycle rider can apply force through his feet and legs against the rotating pedals to thereby slow and stop a moving bicycle.

Abstract: A valve assembly includes a valve housing defining a metering chamber and an elongated stem. The stem is axially movable with respect to the valve housing for dispensing liquid and is rotatable for adjusting the length of the stroke of a piston to thereby select the volume of liquid dispensed with each actuation of the stem. A sliding float member is fitted around the stem within the chamber and is axially slidable with respect to the stem but is locked for rotation with the stem. The lower surface of the sliding float is locked for axial movement with the piston but is independently rotatable with respect to the piston. A pair of spaced poles extends parallel to the axis of the float and engages vaginations in a surface of the housing to thereby limit the length of the stroke of the piston. The poles of the float and the complementary pairs of vaginations in the housing are angularly spaced a distance of less than 180 degrees.

Abstract: A high surface area electrode is made by retaining an electrode blank with one surface thereof horizontal and facing upward. The surface is then submerged in a liquid having particles of conductive material suspended therein. The particles in suspension are then allowed to precipitate out and onto the surface of the electrode. This process is repeated until a porous layer of particles of the desired thickness has formed on the surface. As a final step the particles are bonded to the surface using an appropriate bonding method such as a heat treatment.

Abstract: A device for retaining a string of Christmas lights is made from a planar panel of a suitable material such as wood, plastic, or metal. The panel has a central body with parallel opposing sides around which the wire of a stringer of lights is wrapped. Extensions at the ends of the parallel sides retain the wire from falling off the central body during storage. The device includes a handle and a recess in the handle large enough to receive a portion of an electrical connector and openings at the bottom of the recess to permit the prongs of a male electrical connector to extend therethrough and engage the slots of a female connector to thereby retain the connectors at the end of a stringer of lights to each other.

Abstract: A tool assembly includes an axially symmetric tool having a tapered forward end, a radial flange, and a cylindrical shank. A retainer is fitted around the cylindrical shank, a washer is fitted around the retainer, and an O-ring is fitted over the retainer behind the washer to retain the washer thereon. When the rotatable shank is fitted into a cylindrical mounting bore of a tool holder, the O-ring prevents the washer from rotating with the tool.

Abstract: A cutting tool has tool body with a seat at a forward end thereof. A hard cutting insert is bonded into the seat. The insert is made of a hard material and Ahas an elongate central portion having a maximum upper diameter and a maximum lower diameter that is less than the maximum upper diameter. A collar, also made of a hard material, surrounds the base of the elongate central portion of the insert.

Abstract: To track a large number of tools, the tools are kept in sets with each set having a container. A silhouette of each tool stored in the container is printed at the point of storage along with a data matrix code that has stored in binary code a description of the too, the part number, and an identification of the kit of which it is a part. The associated tool has etched into the surface thereof a data matrix code containing the same information as the code printed at the point of storage. The data matrix codes are readable by a scanner and a record of all the tools is maintained on a computer.

Abstract: To track a large number of tools, the tools are kept in sets with each set having a container. A silhouette of each tool stored in the container is printed at the point of storage along with a data matrix symbology that has stored in binary code a description of the tool, the part number, and an identification of the kit of which it is a part. The associated tool has etched into the surface thereof a data matrix symbology containing the same information as the code printed at the point of storage. The data matrix symbology is readable by a scanner and a record of all the tools is maintained on a computer. Metal tools, may have a chrome, black oxide or stainless steel surface. To prepare the surface of a metal tool for receiving a data matrix symbology applied by a laser, the surface is sand blasted and coated with an suitable epoxy to inhance contrast.

Abstract: A manipulating arm has an inward end configured as a sleeve for fitting around the forearm of an operator and an outward end having a tubular projection with an axially moving rod slideable therein. The rod has a hook at the outward end thereof for grasping razor ribbon, and is moveable between a retracted position and an extended position and is urged to the extended position by a spring. The distal end of the rod extends from the outward tubular member and is configured as a hook. The device includes a handle oriented perpendicular to the axis of the tube and a moveable trigger that can be grasped by the fingers of the operator while his palm is against the handle. Retracting the trigger retracts the rod within the tubular member, compresses the spring, and closes the hook of the claw around a piece of razor ribbon so that it can be positioned by the operator.

Abstract: An angular position sensor determines the angular orientation of a rotatable shaft. The device includes a rotor rotatable with the shaft. A first housing receives the rotor and a second housing at least partially surrounds the first housing. A flexible member between the first housing and the second housing permits vibration of the first housing while the second housing remains stationary.

Abstract: An oxygenation unit for insertion into a well is used to increase the oxygenation of ground water. The unit includes a length of tubing suspended in the well. Within the tubing are a plurality of parallel spaced plates. An electric potential is applied across adjacent plates such that electrolysis will break water down to oxygen and hydrogen. Water is circulated through the unit using an air flow draft pump in which air is bubbled up through an inverted funnel in the tube.

Abstract: A cutting tool has a tool body with a seat at the forward end thereof and a cutting insert in the seat. The insert has a central portion made of a hardened material, and surrounding the central portion is a softer metal sleeve. Surrounding the metal sleeve is a collar made of the hardened material.

Abstract: A channel letter has a rear surface for mounting against a raceway, wall, or a structure for supporting the signage, and sheet metal sides defining the figuration of the letter of shape to be depicted. A lighting element is positioned against the rear surface of the enclosure, and a lens is retained to the open front of the enclosure. The lens is retained by a plurality of retainer clips to a shoulder recessed within the walls of the enclosure and a cable between opposing walls provides lateral support to the walls. Each of the retainer clips has a first and a second leg extending from a back with the legs spaced a distance sufficient for the legs to fit around the end of the sheet metal of the walls. A partially flexible finger extends from one of the legs into the space between the legs so a to wedge against a surface of the sheet metal wall and thereby retain the retainer clip to the wall.

Abstract: A tool body is cold formed by inserting a blank into a die which defines a portion of the outer surface of the tool body after which a punch applies an impact to the blank causing the outer surface of the blank to conform to the contour of the die. The completed tool has an elongate hub with a cylindrical forward portion having a diameter sized to rotatably fit within the bore of a tool holder and a rearward portion with a diameter a little less than the that of the forward portion. The smaller diameter rearward portion facilitates the insertion and alignment of the tool in the tool holder.